Forth Valley Sensory Centre

Much loved horticulturalist Malvina Dwyer is to open her garden in aid of charity for the final time this year. The annual event has raised over £9,000 for good causes in the area and is a chance to see inside one of Falkirk’s best gardens. The event will take place on 5th August, 1pm-4pm and admission is just £3 or £2 concessions with all money raised going to Forth Valley Sensory Centre.

Malvina has been battling ill health for the past few months but is determined to open the garden one final time. Malvina commented: “I was given a diagnosis of terminal illness some months ago and only given a few days to live. However, despite predictions, I am still here and I would like to be able to welcome people to the garden one last time. It is always a great day, even in poor weather which can often bring people together in shelter!

“Even if I am not here, I would like this to go ahead as a fond memory of the happy times I have had here and let people say goodbye if they wish. I have supported the Forth Valley Sensory Centre for the last few years since I took part in the lip-reading classes there. They do some great work for people locally and I am happy to continue to help the cause.”

In the last few years, Malvina has raised over £2000 to support people with hearing loss in Forth Valley with the proceeds of the garden fundraiser going directly to support the lip-reading group.

Centre Manager Jacquie Winning said:
“Malvina is a real inspiration with her generous spirit. By supporting the lip-reading group, which often has a waiting list for new members, she has made a positive impact on many people locally. In addition her amazing garden and sublime home baking have also been an inspiration for many.

“We’d like to pass on a heartfelt thanks from everyone at Forth Valley Sensory Centre to Malvina and her daughter, Heather, who makes the long journey from Yorkshire to support this Open Day each year. Thanks also goes to her son, Gary and the rest of the family who will be supporting the event this year.”

The garden has been judged first overall six times in the Falkirk and District Garden competition, featured in the book ‘Gardens of Scotland’ and appeared on Beechgrove Garden. Created by Malvina from scratch, the garden is a mixture of formal garden, woodland and informal garden covering three quarters of an acre. All are welcome to “Quarrybank Cottage”, Falkirk Road, Avonbridge, FK1 2NA, 5th August, 2018 from 1pm.